One year before my retirement, I attended a class taught from a book entitled “All the Places to Go…How Will You Know?” In the book and video, we learned how to recognize opportunities God puts in our path.
The anticipation of attending the class excited me. The timing of this six-week course came during a transitional point in my life when I was contemplating retirement; and like most folks in this position, I found myself asking, “What would life look like on the other side of retirement?” And “Should I retire or not?” Secretly, I was hoping that this class could offer me help.
My teacher, Cindy, was someone I already knew. She had a kind demeanor and greeted me warmly as I took my seat. I was the first person to arrive, so I took time to express my appreciation to her. However, once the chitchat was over, I soon realized what she already knew: I was the only person that had signed up.
I was surprised that no one else could see the potential in the study. Was I the only one that wanted to learn about doors God alone could open? I guess it really didn’t matter, because by all appearances, this didn’t bother Cindy at all. She was undeterred and was ready to teach. And, with the same commitment, I decided to match her devotion.
It took a few years before I came to realize that this class was a divine reservation for a party of one. A starting point that would lead to foreordained moments filled with new possibilities. In retrospect, the class was merely the backdrop for what was ahead; setting the stage to show what faithfulness looks like and how loyalty to your duty can profoundly impact others.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Eight years later, within the scene that God had set in motion, I caught a slight glimpse of why Cindy or anyone else for that matter is able to do this. Located in the very front of the workbook was a message to all the leaders teaching the study.
It stated the following: “As your group begins, remember that you are a leader because God has put a desire in your heart to help people gain the full measure of understanding what it means to follow Jesus.”
What a great truth that God places desires within our hearts to help within His will. To Cindy, it might have felt like an ordinary work responsibility she was looking forward to. She probably didn’t realize that there was a God-syllabus working in parallel with her teaching plans.
Understandably, she wasn’t able to conceive the magnitude of the course’s purpose that had no intentions of ending after six weeks. Because until God’s plan has been fulfilled, no pass or fail would be realized.
Even a year later after the class, His hand was at work allowing me to step through the door labeled “retirement,” followed by a season that made room for God by simplifying my life.
How can anyone possibly know the interacting of events that God sets in motion. I didn’t even see the invisible thread linking her class to Aug. 20, 2018, when she shared details about a ministry program offered at our church location. And though it took six additional years for me to act, God allowed the idea to remain within my heart until I enrolled in ministry classes.
This year, I will finish my courses, eagerly awaiting the next steps in my calling. But, what if I had decided to quench the desire within me? Extinguishing this craving could have easily led me on a different path — A Brenette kind of path that required less work and no classroom studies; a path along a sunny beach with an ice-cold drink, living out retirement in ease and having fun.
And although the latter option is still on my list of things to do, it is not the most important one.
The most important path catapults my purpose deeper into His purpose through writing, teaching, or for more things to come. The path that I am on now opened the door for this teaching moment, world writing vision, and prayerfully more. With the help of the Holy Spirit, this writer has been given a chance to encourage you to accept God’s call to teach, disciple others, have faith, impart wisdom, etc.
The power behind obedience is so huge. Its reach transcends my understanding. And, when coupled with God’s purpose it accomplishes everything it was sent to do.
The Bible says, “If a man has a hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the 99 others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? And if he finds it, he will rejoice over it more than over the 99 others safe at home! Just so, it is not my Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish” Matthew 18:12-14 (TLB).
Cindy sacrificed her time and energy to teach me, not knowing what the outcome would be. She did this out of her love for God and the commitment to her calling as a church employee and teacher. And being found a trustworthy person, God called “her to me” and “me to you.”
The Bible reminds us that the person who does the planting or watering isn’t very important. God is the important One. He is the One who makes things grow — 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. God’s plans may not even end here. There may be additional new growth to be accomplished.
Will you stand in fear of an army of one situation or will you obey God? Before you answer, keep in mind that God-doors are not always easy and seldom just about you. The calling may lead you to teach a small study group, shepherd a small congregation, sing in public, or to walk a path alone. Whatever it is, remember that God will always be with you.
Brenette Wilder, formerly of Altheimer, Ark., is a blogger at wordstoinspire105953116.wordpress.com and author of Netted Together.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles for consideration to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Please include your name, phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.